Doctoral Researcher (Ph.D. candidate) (m/f/d)

Computational Immunology

Our research group is internationally leading in developing computational and statistical methods for metabolic RNA labeling data, with a strong focus on single-cell technologies (scSLAM-seq). We combine rigorous statistical modeling and high-performance software development (e.g., GRAND-SLAM, grandR) with cutting-edge applications in RNA kinetics, virology, and immunology. Our interdisciplinary team works at the interface of data science and high-throughput molecular biology, maintaining close collaborations with experimental labs worldwide to decode the temporal dynamics of gene regulation.

Details
Entry date:

as soon as possible

Volume of employ-ment:

full-time 40 h / week (part‑time suitable)

Salary:

TV-L E13

Duration:

limited to 3 years*

We offer:

A dedicated DFG-funded research project focused on novel method development with a strong potential for high-ranking publications
Close integration into an internationally leading research group specializing in computational methods for metabolic RNA labeling and single-cell genomics
Direct contribution of your methodological work to established open-source tools (GRAND-SLAM/grandR) used by researchers worldwide
Structured, close mentoring and comprehensive training in theoretical and practical bioinformatics, statistical modeling, and interdisciplinary communication
Full financial support for presenting your research at national and international conferences
Flexible working arrangements (including flexible hours and partial remote work) to support diverse life situations

Your tasks:

Development and implementation of statistical methods and algorithms for single-cell RNA sequencing data, with a special focus on metabolic RNA labeling (scSLAM-seq)
Application of developed computational tools to data generated by our network of collaboration partners
Contributing to the maintenance and extension of our software packages (e.g., GRAND-SLAM / grandR)
Publication of research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations at international conferences
Pursuit of a doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat. / PhD) supported by structured supervision

Your profile:

A university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in bioinformatics, statistics, computer science, data science, physics, or a related quantitative field is required
Solid theoretical knowledge of statistical methods and practical programming experience (preferably in R, Python, or Java) are required
Good communication skills in English, a high degree of intrinsic motivation, and the willingness to conduct interdisciplinary research bridging data science and biology are expected
Prior experience in working with biological high-throughput molecular data (e.g., bulk or single-cell RNA-seq) is desired
Familiarity with software development tools (e.g., Git, reproducible workflows) and basic knowledge of RNA biology and immunology is beneficial

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career (more information: ). Applicants with a disability as discribed in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Please indicate any severe disability in your application, if applicable. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Contact for more information:

Contact person: Dr. Florian Erhard, mail: , phone: +49 941 943-68608

Please apply by 2026-10-03 using the application-button below.

***** "This position is available for a fixed term of three years within the framework of the project "Unraveling crosstalk of virus infection and cytokine signaling by heterogeneity sequencing 2.0"